Indonesia’s Lion Air looks set for a major regional expansion with firm orders for 122 B737-900ERs destined for the carrier’s expansion in Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Lion said it will invest in or launch JV airlines in the six countries within five years. The carrier estimates that it will invest around US$50-100 million in each venture, which will be funded from internal and external sources.
Lion Air, which currently has a fleet of 40 aircraft, will join competitors Tiger Airways, Jetstar and AirAsia in Asia’s rapidly growing travel market.
Lion Air began taking delivery of its new B737-900ERs in the first half of this year.